1958 BMW 501 vs. 1976 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1976 Holden Sunbird is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 501 would be higher. At 5,044 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Holden Sunbird (247 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1976 Holden Sunbird.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1976 Holden Sunbird (436 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1976 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | BMW | Holden |
| Model | 501 | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5044 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 436 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2590 mm |
